Best New Comics For The Week of 2014-02-26

Great New Comics This Week

Batman, Ninja Turtles, Tomb Raider

Hail, and well met, heroes! Another Wednesday has come upon us, which means it is time to explore what new comics have been released, this time for the week of February 26, 2014. Of course, these are not just any new comics, but the best of the new comics, starring the characters you want to read about and featuring the talents of the finest writers and artists in the industry.

This week, we will review an eclectic mixed bag of recently released issues. First up, there's the most recent issue of Batman/Superman, featuring an interdimensional family reunion for the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight Detective. Next we will take a look at the new issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and see what similarities exist between this comic and previous versions of the title. And finally, we will see if the new Tomb Raider comic has just as much to offer as the recent video game reboot of the franchise.

Batman/Superman Issue No. 8

Daughter From An Alternate Dimension

This issue of Batman/Superman begins in media res, with Batman interviewing a caged intruder to the batcave. And props to the writer of this issue, Greg Pak, because no time is wasted in establishing the identity and origin of this intruder. It is none other than the Huntress, the daughter of Batman and Catwoman from an alternate Earth. There have been numerous interpretations of the Huntress character from DC Comics over the years, many of whom have no blood ties to the character of Batman, but this version is probably the most significant for many fans because of that familial connection to the Dark Knight.

Initially, Batman believes that this young woman is his daughter, but is still reticent to trust his heart (another strong character moment from Pak). The caped crusader's trust issues continue throughout the book, as he is also reluctant to involve Superman in a case that clearly needs the Last Son of Krypton's help.

The art in this book is by Jae Lee, an artist known for creating a gothic mood in his work, which is obviously perfect for any comic starring Batman. However, it might be confusing for readers of this title who picked up Batman/Superman issue no. 8 thinking it would be illustrated by Kenneth Rocafort, who was solicited as the artist for this book. However, despite what any advertisements tell you, be aware that Batman/Superman issue no. 8 is not drawn by Kenneth Rocafort, it is drawn by Jae Lee.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Issue No. 31

Moneyball and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

If you have seen the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, or read the original volume of the comic book from the 1980s, you are probably familiar with the idea of the Turtles traveling to upstate New York after a big ninja fight to recuperate and commune with nature. At this point, it is practically a Ninja Turtles Trope, and here we have another issue that falls into that category. The issue begins with Casey Jones and Donatello discussing the finer points of sabermetrics while fixing up Casey's motorcycle, which is a far cry from the first film's scene of them just slinging alphabetical insults at each other, but an interesting spin on their relationship anyway.

Next, we have what is possible another TMNT trope, a budding romantic connection between Raphael and a fox girl. Raph dated the ninja fox warrior Ninjara in the Archie-published Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, and in this issue he is getting closer to Alopex, a female mutant arctic fox. Their relationship here makes for an enjoyable dialogue, ably drawn by the talented Ross Campbell, whose thick marker outlines for each character makes the art warm and welcoming. Campbell also imbues characters' faces with clear indications of the emotions they are feeling, making this a very poignant issue as each Turtle's motivations are explored.

Tomb Raider Issue No. 1

Lara the Survivor

The recent video game reboot of Tomb Raider had its fair share of both fans and critics, since it changed a lot of the gameplay dynamics of the original series, and also revised the leader character's personality a bit from what audiences already knew about her. In older games, comics, and movies featuring the character, Lara Croft is a tough, no-nonsense explorer who never seems to be at a loss for what do, nor does she easily show any signs of fear. The new version of Lara Croft, found in the recent game from Crystal Dynamics, is a younger Lara with less experience and a bit more of a tendency to freak out or get discouraged by bad luck.

That latter interpretation of Croft is on full display here, starting with a cover title of "Survivor's Guilt!" The story itself, written by Gail Simone, takes place after the events of the recent video game Tomb Raider, so this is a comic that is a lot more rewarding to read if you have beaten the game first. And if you have yet to try the new video game version of Tomb Raider, take a peek at the video below to see if the stunning graphics of the new Playstation 4 version of the game is enough to entice you into trying it out.

Anyway, the art in this comic book issue of Tomb Raider is interesting, as the pencils, inks, and colors all come together to present a vibrant, stylized jungle world that makes the whole thing look like an episode of Archer or Frisky Dingo. And the cover is also quite striking, but done in a painted style that is quite distinct from the interior art.

Other Books Out This Week

New Issues of The Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy

Although the three previous books are all good reads, they are not the only issues out this week worth checking out. Fans of space opera superhero adventure would do well to check out the new issue of Guardians of the Galaxy, while anyone who enjoys a good zombie tale should pick up the latest issue of The Walking Dead. This was a better-than-average week for new comic releases, so there are a lot of great choices available!